TargDots Auto Advance Target System Review

Ready to Know the Truth About the TargDots Auto Advance Target System?

For years, the thought of advancing targets downrange during a shooting session meant a full cease-fire, a trek into the impact zone, and a disruption to the flow of practice. This is precisely the scenario that led me to seek out a more efficient solution for my frequent trips to the range. The TargDots Auto Advance Target System promises to eliminate this downtime, offering a remote-controlled target advancement system previously reserved for high-end industrial setups. My initial impression upon unboxing this system was one of practical design; it felt robust enough for its intended purpose without being overly complicated. While I briefly considered building a DIY system, the allure of a ready-made, remote-controlled solution was too strong to ignore. My first reaction was a sense of quiet anticipation, a feeling that this could genuinely transform my practice sessions.

Real-World Testing: Putting TargDots Auto Advance Target System to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the TargDots Auto Advance Target System took place at my local outdoor shooting range, a place I frequent multiple times a month for both recreational shooting and skills refinement. I set it up on a relatively level patch of ground, easily assembling the main frame and attaching the legs, which felt secure. The real test began once I loaded a roll of bullseye targets and retreated to my shooting bench, about 150 yards away. Operating the hand-held remote, I was pleased to find the target advancing smoothly with a simple button press, eliminating the need for any cease-fires. The system handled a light dusting of prairie soil without complaint and continued to function flawlessly through a moderate afternoon of shooting.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, often two or three times a week, the TargDots Auto Advance Target System has proven to be a remarkably reliable piece of gear. It has endured being packed and unpacked numerous times, handled the occasional bump during transport, and performed flawlessly in various weather conditions, from dry heat to a light drizzle. The plastic protection plates have shown minimal wear, even from rimfire rounds, and the battery life has been impressive, requiring only one set of batteries so far. Compared to the manual target replacement I’m used to, this system is a significant upgrade in terms of efficiency and safety. Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe-down after each range session is all that’s needed to keep it in optimal condition.

Breaking Down the Features of TargDots Auto Advance Target System

Specifications

The TargDots Auto Advance Target System is engineered for practicality and ease of use in outdoor shooting environments. It features a remote-controlled advancement mechanism that operates at distances of up to 200 yards, a critical specification for maintaining a safe shooting distance. The system is battery operated, eliminating the need for external power sources and enhancing its portability. Its construction includes protection plates rated for all rimfire calibers, offering crucial defense against impact. The stand’s legs are designed to utilize standard and inexpensive electrical conduit tubing, allowing for simple replacement and customization of target heights. This adaptability means users can tailor the setup to their specific needs, whether for standing or prone shooting.

The TargDots Auto Advance Target System comes with a roll of standard bullseye targets, and additional 50-foot target rolls are available, offering variety with bullseye, animal, and silhouette designs. This ensures users have options for different training objectives. The manufacturer is listed as TargDots, and the product is primarily black and white, with orange accents for visibility. The materials include adhesive paper for the targets, and the overall package includes 1 Metal Frame/5 Targets/1 Corrugated Plastic Board and Paper Targets and Metal Silhouette as included accessories. With a total weight of 15 lb, it strikes a balance between sturdiness and manageable transport.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of the TargDots Auto Advance Target System is its remote target advancement, and in this regard, it performs exceptionally well. The 200-yard remote range proved accurate and consistent in my testing, allowing me to change targets without leaving my shooting bench. This feature alone drastically improves the efficiency of practice sessions, minimizing downtime and maximizing shooting time. The protection plates effectively shielded the mechanism from rimfire impacts, maintaining operational integrity.

However, the target roll advancement mechanism, while functional, can occasionally be a bit finicky. On a few occasions, the paper target feed seemed to hesitate slightly before advancing, requiring a second press of the remote button. This wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s a point where the system could be refined for absolute seamlessness. Despite this minor quirk, the overall performance is a significant step up from manual target changes, and it largely meets, if not exceeds, expectations for its intended purpose and price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the TargDots Auto Advance Target System is centered around portability and user-friendliness for outdoor shooting. It disassembles easily into its core components, making it convenient for transport to and from the range. The use of standard electrical conduit for the legs is a clever design choice, not only making replacements affordable but also allowing for custom height adjustments, a detail I found incredibly useful for adapting to different shooting positions.

The hand-held remote is straightforward to operate, with large, tactile buttons that are easy to find and press, even with shooting gloves on. The primary frame feels sturdy, and the attachment points for the target roll and protection plates are secure. While not a high-end aesthetic, the functional design prioritizes durability and ease of maintenance, which is paramount for gear used in rugged outdoor environments.

Durability & Maintenance

The TargDots Auto Advance Target System appears built for the rigors of regular range use. The use of what feels like durable plastic for the protection plates and a sturdy metal frame suggests it can withstand repeated exposure to the elements and the occasional minor impact. The ability to replace leg sections with readily available electrical conduit is a smart approach to long-term durability, as legs are often the first point of failure on target stands.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. After a day at the range, a quick brush to remove dirt and debris from the frame and mechanism is usually sufficient. The battery compartment is well-sealed, providing protection against dust and moisture. I haven’t encountered any signs of significant wear and tear yet, though I will monitor the mechanism for any stiffness or unusual noises over extended use. Potential failure points might include the remote’s internal electronics or the motor that drives the target advancement, but these are common considerations for any remote-controlled electronic device.

Accessories and Customization Options

The TargDots Auto Advance Target System comes with a roll of standard bullseye targets, providing immediate usability upon setup. The inclusion of a metal silhouette is a nice bonus, offering an alternative target type. The key accessory here is, of course, the hand-held remote controller, which is essential for the system’s operation.

The most significant customization option lies in the legs, which can be easily adjusted or replaced using standard electrical conduit tubing. This allows users to achieve their preferred target height, whether for standing, kneeling, or prone shooting, and is a fantastic feature for personalizing the setup. Additional 50-foot target rolls are available separately in bullseye, animal, and silhouette designs, allowing users to switch up their practice targets as needed.

Pros and Cons of TargDots Auto Advance Target System

Who Should Buy TargDots Auto Advance Target System?

The TargDots Auto Advance Target System is an excellent choice for dedicated range shooters, firearms instructors, and competitive rimfire shooters who want to maximize their practice time and minimize disruptions. Anyone who shoots frequently at an outdoor range and finds themselves frequently walking downrange to change targets will find significant value in this system. It’s particularly beneficial for those who want to practice rapid target acquisition or shooting drills that require quick transitions.

Those who should probably skip this system are individuals who primarily shoot at indoor ranges where cease-fires are already structured, or those who exclusively use calibers beyond rimfire, as the current protection plates are not rated for higher calibers. For shooters on a very tight budget who only make infrequent range visits, the cost may be a barrier. A must-have accessory would be an extra set of batteries for the remote, ensuring you don’t run out of power mid-session.

Conclusion on TargDots Auto Advance Target System

The TargDots Auto Advance Target System delivers on its promise of remote target advancement, fundamentally changing the dynamics of a range day. Its ability to advance targets from up to 200 yards away without a cease-fire is a significant advantage, transforming practice sessions into more efficient and enjoyable experiences. The clever design, particularly the use of standard conduit for legs and the straightforward remote operation, makes it both practical and adaptable. While there’s a slight occasional hesitation in the target feed mechanism, it’s a minor point against an otherwise robust and highly functional system. For the price point, the value proposition is strong, offering features typically found in much more expensive industrial setups. I would personally recommend this system to any serious rimfire shooter looking to optimize their time on the range and embrace a more modern, convenient approach to target practice.